There’s no denying that Malta is a unique destination, with a certain charm about it. The people are kind, caring, and always willing to help. It’s also a great place to spend a day or two (although I recommend several more!). With that in mind, I’ve put together an itinerary for the perfect day in Malta.
There’s lots to do here, so there are different approaches you could take but this list compiles some of my favorite places.
It’s an island which appears to be under major development too, as there’s construction going on in resort towns like Sliema. For those who have a short amount of time in this unique destination, base yourself in the capital Valletta. But for those looking to stay longer, towns like Sliema and St. Julian’s can be a good place to stay as travel in the country is easy, accessible, and affordable.
Whether you’re flying in for a few days or have a few hours ahead of a cruise, here are some ways to spend the perfect day in Malta.
This is a busy one so buckle up and be prepared for a whistle stop tour of this Mediterranean island country, with a focus on Valletta.
Morning Itinerary for the Perfect Day in Malta: What to do
As we’re starting out in the capital city of Valletta, get up nice and early to start your day of exploring.
Breakfast: Malta Pastizzi
In the center you’ll find a small store named ‘Malta Pastizzi’ which sells some of the best pastizzi. These little pastries are traditional to Malta and this place should be visited in the morning as they make them fresh and quickly sell out.
A pastizzi is a savory pastry that is typically filled with either ricotta or curried peas. They can be eaten on-the-go and go well with a fresh coffee.
Early morning: Tick off the landmarks
Valletta is packed to the brim with beautiful and interesting buildings. If you’re very short on time, joining a walking tour could be the most effective option for seeing everything in one swift go.
Look for a tour that includes The New Parliament, Pjazza Teatru, Rjal, Our Lady of Victories Church, St John’s Co-Cathedral, St George Square, and The Grand Master’s Palace.
This could take up to three hours so ensure you’ve got your walking shoes on and prepare for some pretty steep hills in places.
Lunch time: Saluting Battery and Upper Barrakka
At 12pm and 4pm every day the only ceremonial battery which is still in operation in Europe takes place, known as the Saluting Battery. This is where cannons were once fired as salutes to visiting naval vessels.
The artillery battery is located along Valletta’s eastern historic ramparts and features scenic views of the Grand Harbour. You can either come a little earlier and find a spot at the top of the Upper Barrakka Gardens or you can go down the steps to get closer.
It’s just €3 per person to stand much closer, with this giving you an unrivaled view. It’s quite a spectacular event and one that should be on everyone’s to-do list.
After, check out the Upper and Lower Barrakka gardens. Some of the benches provide shade if you’re looking for a sit down.
There’s a cafe located close by called Piadina Caffe which offers numerous cocktails and good wine by the glass for €4.50. They do fresh salads and hearty toasted sandwiches.
P.S. The Saluting Battery takes place Monday through Saturday, it’s not open on a Sunday.
Afternoon: Three Cities
Head back over to the Upper Barrakka Gardens and the quickest way to get to the waterfront is by the public lift. This will save you the walk down the almost vertical hill (I might be exaggerating slightly, but it sure did feel that way when walking up!).
Once at the bottom, there will be a ferry that departs every 15 past and 15 to the hour. Alternatively, you could go via a traditional boat which you’ll find vendors for along the waterfront.
The three cities comprises Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua and they sit directly across from Valletta.
One of the best ways to see the sights is by going on the ‘Happy Train Malta’ land train that will take you on a tour of all three.
Three attractions that you should visit in the Three Cities include St. Lawrence’s Church, the War Museum, and the Maritime Museum.
Evening: Brewery visit and beer tasting
Once you’re back in Valletta, you’ll have to get a taxi or Bolt/Uber over to Birkirkara if you want to do the Farsons Brewery Experience.
This was one we headed to when the weather had turned slightly and so we were looking for an indoor activity, but this makes a good start to the evening if you’re looking to taste Malta’s most famous beer.
You can either head straight to the rooftop for The Cisk Tap flagship bar or you can do the brewery experience which leads you to the bar at the end.
Before getting started, we visited the Kettles Cafe and lined our stomachs before going ahead with the tour.
The self-guided brewery tour is open until 7pm and you’ll be provided with some headphones and listening devices (available in multiple languages) so you can explore. There are various points throughout the tour where you’ll learn about the history of beer in Malta and the beginnings of the Cisk brand.
Then, the tour concludes at the rooftop bar where you’ll have the option of a pint of Cisk lager or a beer tasting tray. The tour and drink(s) are included in the €15 fee (cheaper for students, seniors, and youths).
This was a fun one and we loved the beer tasting, with the option to try five different beers. Thankfully for us the weather had turned to bright sunshine and we spent a good couple of hours at the rooftop bar.
You could then taxi back to Valletta and spend your evening weaving through the bars and many restaurants.
How to get around in Malta
If you’re visiting the main towns, you definitely don’t need a car to get around in Malta. It’s a very small country, so there are no long distances that need to be traveled.
Malta has good bus routes and they provide an affordable option for those looking to explore. To use these, download the Tallinja App as it has a journey planner and real-time updates.
The country doesn’t have any railways so train travel is out of the question, but they do have an efficient taxi system. You could use Bolt or Uber as well.
I mainly used Bolt as it was quick and easy, with all cars arriving in under 10 minutes of use (even at 4am!)
Perfect Day in Malta FAQ
What is the currency in Malta? And can you use card or cash?
The currency in Malta is the euro, so if you have any other currencies in your pockets you’ll have to exchange it before you can get to spending.
You can use card or cash in Malta. I used a Revolut debit card and then paid with cash for small vendors and stores but many will have card machines on hand if you need them.
What is the capital of Malta?
Valletta is the capital of Malta and it’s the perfect base for your trips to the country. It’s a walled city which was established in the 1500s by the Knights of St. John and it oozes history, architecture, and art.
It’s the southernmost capital of Europe and it measures at just 0.61 square kilometers, making it the smallest capital in the European Union. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage City.
What is Malta famous for?
This Mediterranean island country sits between Sicily and the North African coast, making it a great vacation destination if you’re looking for almost-guaranteed sunshine.
It’s known for its history, with many historical sites and museums dotted around. It has fortresses and temples and has had a succession of rulers including the Romans, Moors, Knights of Saint John, French and British – making it a very interesting place.
It also has a diverse coastline, with many boat tours and watersports on offer for those looking for some relaxation.